Original Word: אַפִּרְיוֹן
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: appiryown
Pronunciation: ap-peer-YONE
Phonetic Spelling: (ap-pir-yone')
KJV: chariot
NASB: sedan chair
Word Origin: [probably of Egyptian derivation]

1. a palanquin

chariot

Probably of Egyptian derivation; a palanquin -- chariot.

Word Origin
of foreign origin
Definition
a sedan, litter, palanquin
NASB Translation
sedan chair (1).

אַמִּרְיוֺן noun [masculine] sedan, litter, palanquin (so Late Hebrew; origin dubious; no plausible Shemitic etymology; perhaps (so RS in Yule^{Glossary of Anglo-Indian words, 502}) Sanskrit paryanka, litter-bed, 'palankeen;' perhaps (if poem be late) Greek φορεῖον; — ᵐ5 has φορεῖον, ᵑ9 ferculum,

Syriac (and ) PS³⁰⁷³; Sota 9:14 and Talmud אַמִּרְיוֺן, Talmud also מּוֺרְיָא and מּוֺרְיוֺן, Levy^{NHWB i.150, iv. 17.}) Songs 3:9 עָשָׂה לוֺ הֶמֶּלֶח שְׁלֹמֹה ׳א.

Term and Meaning

Apiryon denotes an ornate, enclosed litter or palanquin designed for transport by bearers. In contrast to an open chariot, it evokes a sense of intimacy, protection, and royal dignity.

Old Testament Occurrence

Song of Songs 3:9: “King Solomon has made his carriage from the timber of Lebanon.”

The single appearance of the word places it within the bridal procession that dominates the middle section of the Song. The context is celebratory, emphasizing the splendor with which Solomon receives his bride.

Historical Background

Archaeological reliefs from Egypt and Mesopotamia attest to covered litters carried on poles, reserved for kings, high officials, and brides. Constructed of seasoned cedar, sometimes inlaid with gold and precious stones, these palanquins signified both wealth and status. The Lebanon timber referenced in Songs 3:9 was prized for durability and fragrance, making it the material of choice for royal architecture (1 Kings 5:6; 2 Chronicles 2:8).

Cultural Usage in the Ancient Near East

1. Royal travel: Monarchs appeared before the populace elevated and shaded in a palanquin, emphasizing transcendence over common life.
2. Bridal procession: A veiled bride was carried to her new home, guarded by attendants, symbolizing her transition from one household to another.
3. Sacred ceremonies: Temple images or cultic objects were sometimes transported on similar litters, reinforcing associations of holiness and separation.

Symbolic and Theological Significance

Protection and Security

The enclosed design conveys shelter. Within the Song’s nuptial imagery, the litter declares the groom’s provision: the bride is safe within a structure “made” and outfitted by the king himself (Song of Songs 3:10).

Royal Ownership and Covenant

Solomon personally fashions the carriage, highlighting covenant commitment. In covenantal theology, the sovereign voluntarily assumes responsibility for the wellbeing of the vassal—in this case, the bride. The rich materials (silver posts, golden base, purple seat) underscore the costly nature of covenant loyalty.

Joyful Procession

The bridal litter moves toward the marriage feast. Scripture often pictures salvation history as a procession toward consummation (Psalm 45:14-15; Revelation 19:7). The apiryon thus foreshadows the Church’s journey toward the marriage supper of the Lamb, carried by grace rather than self-effort.

Christological and Ecclesiological Implications

Solomon functions as a type of Christ, the Bridegroom-King.
• Christ prepares the place: “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2).
• Christ bears His people: “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27).

The Bride—corporately the Church, individually the believer—finds rest inside the palanquin. The covering parallels the atonement (“covering”) provided in Christ. The transport by human bearers hints at the Church’s mission: believers, themselves carried by grace, now lift up the name of Christ before the nations.

Practical Application for Contemporary Ministry

Pastoral Care

As Solomon crafted a litter that sheltered his beloved, shepherd-leaders are charged to create environments of safety, honor, and joyful anticipation for the Lord’s return.

Worship Design

The rich adornment of the apiryon encourages aesthetics in worship that reflect God’s majesty without descending into ostentation. Beauty should direct attention to the King, not to human artisanship.

Discipleship and Assurance

Believers often struggle with anxiety about their spiritual journey. The palanquin assures that forward motion depends on the King’s provision, not on personal strength. Teaching on positional security—“hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3)—draws directly from this imagery.

Related Biblical Imagery

• Ark of the Covenant: carried on poles, symbolizing God’s presence moving among His people (Numbers 4:15).
• Tabernacle curtains: rich colors paralleling the purple seat of the apiryon (Exodus 26:1).
• Royal procession in Psalm 68:24-27, anticipating Christ’s triumphal ascent (Ephesians 4:8).

See Also

Chariot (merkavah) – 1 Kings 10:26;

Throne (kisse) – Isaiah 6:1;

Banner (degel) – Song of Songs 2:4.

אַפִּרְי֗וֹן אפריון ’ap·pir·yō·wn ’appiryōwn appirYonInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts